About Maralina Schoenfelder

Combat veteran with a deeply rooted interest in human rights and criminal defense which has been developed by experiences with the United Nations, serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and over 10 years specializing in juvenile defense.

EDUCATION
Juris Doctorate, University of Wyoming College of Law, 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Colorado State University, Political Science, 2002
Hansard Scholars Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science, Spring 2002

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Schoenfelder Law LLC February 2018-present
Attorney at Law/Owner Pueblo, Colorado
• Zealous representation and litigation for indigent adult and juvenile clients as independent contractor for the Office of Alternative Defense Counsel
• Zealous representation and litigation as independent contractor for the Office of the Child’s Representative
• Zealous private criminal defense for adult and juvenile clients

Office of the Colorado State Public Defender December 2010- February 2018
Senior Deputy Public Defender Pueblo, Colorado
• Zealous representation and litigation for indigent adult and juvenile clients
• Advocated the end of solitary confinement of juveniles in a local residential treatment facility, and all juvenile facilities
• Fought for the end of indiscriminate shackling of juveniles in court
• Immigration Liaison for the Pueblo Regional Office 2011-2015
• Pueblo Veteran’s Treatment Court Public Defender 2015- 2018

ACTIVITIES AND AWARDS
• Outstanding Young Lawyer, Pueblo Bar Association 2017
• Attorney of the Year Colorado State Public Defender System 2016
• Nominated Colorado State Public Defender Attorney of the Year 2014
• Colorado ACLU Civil Rights in Action Award Recipient 2014
• Colorado State Public Defender Gideon Award Recipient 2013
• Outstanding Juvenile Defender of the Year 2013
• Received over 20 Military Awards from 1997 through 2010, including the Army Commendation Medal (2005, 2010), Combat Action Badge (2005)